U.N. Expert Returns from Israel; Lauds Agricultural Plans

Israel, which imports 90 percent of its wheat at an annual cost of $24,000,000 to $25,000,000, has undertaken a long-range scientific plan that should enable it to reduce its wheat imports and, at the same time, improve the dietary quality of all the cereals consumed in the country.

That was the optimistic prognosis made here today by Dr. Max Milner, professor of the Department of Flour and Feed Milling Industries at Kansas State College, Dr. Milner returned today from a six-month mission to Israel as an expert representing the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization.

Within his six-month tenure in Israel, Dr. Milner said, Israel authorities hastened to adopt nearly all of his expert recommendations, and some of these–designed to increase quantity and quality, and decrease costs of Israeli bread–are already in effect.

One of Dr. Milner’s recommendations was the establishment of a laboratory for the analysis of imported wheats, and for experimentation intended to improve both milling and baking practices in Israel. That laboratory is now at work in Haifa, he said. It was established immediately, being expanded from a “nucleus lab” already in existence, at a cost of $18,000.

Another recommendation was that Israel help the FAO choose a “fellow” to study abroad some of the newer methods of improving wheat and other cereals. Israel has chosen Yeshial Pomerantz, Polish-born young scientist, who has already left for England where he will do his studies at the St. Albans Cereal Experimental Station conducted by the British Association of Flour Millers. FAO is paying the costs of Mr. Pomerantz’ studies.

Strategic, security and overall economic factors will determine the size of Israel’s wheat-growing expansion, Dr. Milner declared. But, within those limitations, he saw Israel progressing toward the FAO’s goal, summarized in the organization’s motto: “Let There Be Bread.”